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Brimstone Chorus #1
The Laughing Policeman
A blood debt gone wrong. A demon unleashed.
Thirty-four years ago, a supernatural horror was summoned into the world, leaving nothing but mutilated corpses in its wake...Until the day the trail went cold.
Now it’s back, and the fate of a young Traveller girl and her mother hang in the balance.
heir only hope of survival rests in the hands of cynical ex-detective Charlie Haynes. But what chance does a pensioner have against a demon? And if he can’t save them from the clutches of this ancient evil, what will become of mankind?
The Laughing Policeman is the first book in the Brimstone Chorus supernatural horror series. If you like gritty, fast-paced suspense, dry humour and dark forces, then you won’t be able to put down Elizabeth J. Brown’s addictive and ultraviolent debut.
A warning: The Laughing Policeman contains scenes of violence and strong language, that some readers may find distressing.
Thirty-four years ago, a supernatural horror was summoned into the world, leaving nothing but mutilated corpses in its wake...Until the day the trail went cold.
Now it’s back, and the fate of a young Traveller girl and her mother hang in the balance.
heir only hope of survival rests in the hands of cynical ex-detective Charlie Haynes. But what chance does a pensioner have against a demon? And if he can’t save them from the clutches of this ancient evil, what will become of mankind?
The Laughing Policeman is the first book in the Brimstone Chorus supernatural horror series. If you like gritty, fast-paced suspense, dry humour and dark forces, then you won’t be able to put down Elizabeth J. Brown’s addictive and ultraviolent debut.
A warning: The Laughing Policeman contains scenes of violence and strong language, that some readers may find distressing.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2022
142 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth J. Brown
8books93followersElizabeth J. Brown was born in Kent, England. This probably explains her obsession with tea and cake. She currently writes the Brimstone Chorus series - dark fantasy horror featuring demons, witches and a whole host of things that go bump in the night.
Her debut novel, The Laughing Policeman, takes place in 1980s England and features detectives, dark supernatural forces and dry humour.
When she isn’t in front of her laptop or spending time with her family, Elizabeth is usually absorbed in a book, film or anything that involves the strange, fantastical or supernatural.
Get your FREE Brimstone Chorus starter story at , set two hundred and twenty-six years before the events in The Laughing Policeman.
Her debut novel, The Laughing Policeman, takes place in 1980s England and features detectives, dark supernatural forces and dry humour.
When she isn’t in front of her laptop or spending time with her family, Elizabeth is usually absorbed in a book, film or anything that involves the strange, fantastical or supernatural.
Get your FREE Brimstone Chorus starter story at , set two hundred and twenty-six years before the events in The Laughing Policeman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 14, 2023
A dark and powerful story!
A multi faceted story, a combination of genres encompassing murder/mystery, supernatural horror and demonic possession. This was a dark tale of an ancient curse passed down within a Romany family, their descent into criminality, revenge murders and the accidental release of a demonic captive. This latter disaster resulted in utter mayhem for the family as the demon then embarked upon his long anticipated blood fuelled revenge. Both the guilt ridden and innocent alike were hunted down and murdered. As the years passed one police detective meticulously followed up on the clues, no matter how unbelievable they seemed, until a dramatic conclusion brought him face to face with the impossible. What a film this story would make.
A multi faceted story, a combination of genres encompassing murder/mystery, supernatural horror and demonic possession. This was a dark tale of an ancient curse passed down within a Romany family, their descent into criminality, revenge murders and the accidental release of a demonic captive. This latter disaster resulted in utter mayhem for the family as the demon then embarked upon his long anticipated blood fuelled revenge. Both the guilt ridden and innocent alike were hunted down and murdered. As the years passed one police detective meticulously followed up on the clues, no matter how unbelievable they seemed, until a dramatic conclusion brought him face to face with the impossible. What a film this story would make.
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July 25, 2023August's TBR just got a little more creepy...
October 21, 2022
The Laughing Policeman by Elizabeth J. Brown
Blood debt, demonic possession (not in the usual way), moral conflict, love and loss, gypsy curses, walking dead; a two-thousand-year-old jeweled athame 🗡️ that keeps popping up at descriptive gore-galore murder scenes. Interesting characters, tension throughout, and a multi-dimensional antagonist: Do we like Stephen? If yes, then we want him dead. The author takes us deep inside the heart and mind of an old, highly unique demon. As to writing style: I adore British precision. Quality supernatural horror story here that would make a very watchable movie.
Blood debt, demonic possession (not in the usual way), moral conflict, love and loss, gypsy curses, walking dead; a two-thousand-year-old jeweled athame 🗡️ that keeps popping up at descriptive gore-galore murder scenes. Interesting characters, tension throughout, and a multi-dimensional antagonist: Do we like Stephen? If yes, then we want him dead. The author takes us deep inside the heart and mind of an old, highly unique demon. As to writing style: I adore British precision. Quality supernatural horror story here that would make a very watchable movie.
February 17, 2024
This one’s a great read! Supernatural, demons, gyspy curses. This is everything you want from a good ole horror book! The author has subtlety laced this with a kinda dry, sarcastic humour which I love! I did find myself chucking along to some parts, which added to the enjoyment of the horror!
March 31, 2023
Wow! I put off reading this book for so long and boy do I regret it.
I hmmmed and hawwwed thinking “oh this must be some Victorian ghost story”…. WRONG!
This tale actually takes place in two time frames, the 1980s and thirty some years later. Each half of the book kind of has its own tone, and you can see how 30 years has changed some of the recurring characters.
There are no ghosts, but there is magic, murder, violence, and demons. It was a fantastic story and I can’t wait to see the author release the next book in the series!
I hmmmed and hawwwed thinking “oh this must be some Victorian ghost story”…. WRONG!
This tale actually takes place in two time frames, the 1980s and thirty some years later. Each half of the book kind of has its own tone, and you can see how 30 years has changed some of the recurring characters.
There are no ghosts, but there is magic, murder, violence, and demons. It was a fantastic story and I can’t wait to see the author release the next book in the series!
March 7, 2023
Fantastic read!!! An emotional journey, gruesome and mysterious with really likeable characters and very well written. A must!
May 28, 2023
I'm shocked.
It literally took me 2 months to read this one. At first, I was bored and had other things to read. At one point I showed my husband my TBR and told him to pick one. NATURALLY he picks one I've already put down. It felt too much like a detective thriller with subtle supernatural influence to me. Luckily, I love my husband because I got to about 24% and couldn't put it down. Wow. Definition of one of those you GOTTA give a chance to. The slow start was 100% due to my own prejudice. I actually went back to reread the beginning after I finished. *chefs kiss* I am looking forward to more by Elizabeth Brown!
It literally took me 2 months to read this one. At first, I was bored and had other things to read. At one point I showed my husband my TBR and told him to pick one. NATURALLY he picks one I've already put down. It felt too much like a detective thriller with subtle supernatural influence to me. Luckily, I love my husband because I got to about 24% and couldn't put it down. Wow. Definition of one of those you GOTTA give a chance to. The slow start was 100% due to my own prejudice. I actually went back to reread the beginning after I finished. *chefs kiss* I am looking forward to more by Elizabeth Brown!
March 15, 2022
I was very much anticipating reading this book, it sounded exactly like my cup of tea. While I enjoyed the first quarter of the book, it took a disturbingly graphic turn after that, unnecessarily so, in my opinion. It felt as though the author abandoned character development for shock value. I still enjoyed parts of the book, but it became a struggle to finish with so much graphic violence. I found myself skimming in order to finish. I'd like to read more by this author, just nothing that struck me as quite so gratuitously violent.
August 19, 2023
Here's the author's modest synopsis of the story: The Laughing Policeman has a strong revenge theme running through it. Horror element wise, there's demonic possession, mysterious ancient artifacts, witches and secret organisations. .
While that is an excellent blend for a horror novel, what made this one work for me was the strong characterization throughout. The first part is somewhat slow, but the benefit is that when it comes time to get more grisly and graphic readers are already invested in and feel true empathy for so many of these characters. I even felt sorry when a criminal was killed by the demon.
There's also a bit of humor to go along with the gore (tastefully done, but still nasty), especially the conversations between the resurrected police detective and the ancient demon who possesses him.
I look forward to reading further into this series.
While that is an excellent blend for a horror novel, what made this one work for me was the strong characterization throughout. The first part is somewhat slow, but the benefit is that when it comes time to get more grisly and graphic readers are already invested in and feel true empathy for so many of these characters. I even felt sorry when a criminal was killed by the demon.
There's also a bit of humor to go along with the gore (tastefully done, but still nasty), especially the conversations between the resurrected police detective and the ancient demon who possesses him.
I look forward to reading further into this series.
May 23, 2023
How I loved this book! It has everything, action, a gripping plot, different stories interwoven by the same thread and and different characters appearing throughout the books, and don't forget the cliffhanger!
The Laughing Policeman follows the story of Charlie, ex detective still working in the police and obsessed by the case of a serial killer, the Caravan Cannibal, which it has become almost a part of him, but how much he doesn't realise until the end. We also follow the story of Stephen, and how the loss of his family causes the start of a series of events which devastating effects he couldn't have imagined!
This read was so gripping that I couldn't stop thinking about it until I finished it and now that I did I can't wait for the second book in the series, which I know is coming soon.
I loved Elizabeth J. Brown's writing with humour sparkled everywhere in the book. I also felt a connection with all the charcaters and I have to admit I was mostly rooting for the villain, as I often do..
Highly recommend this read, thoroughly fun and with some vomit inducing scenes, I loved it!
The Laughing Policeman follows the story of Charlie, ex detective still working in the police and obsessed by the case of a serial killer, the Caravan Cannibal, which it has become almost a part of him, but how much he doesn't realise until the end. We also follow the story of Stephen, and how the loss of his family causes the start of a series of events which devastating effects he couldn't have imagined!
This read was so gripping that I couldn't stop thinking about it until I finished it and now that I did I can't wait for the second book in the series, which I know is coming soon.
I loved Elizabeth J. Brown's writing with humour sparkled everywhere in the book. I also felt a connection with all the charcaters and I have to admit I was mostly rooting for the villain, as I often do..
Highly recommend this read, thoroughly fun and with some vomit inducing scenes, I loved it!
March 31, 2022
Couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed the story and characters. Would definitely recommend it.
June 24, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Can't wait read more from her. The story was amazing. Could definitely not put this down.
February 24, 2024
Now I see why people rave about this book! I went in blind and was not let down.
So well written with a fantastic mix of horror, supernatural and occult themes. This story kept me engaged from start to finish. The story spans the course of 34 years, as a demon has a blood debt to fulfill before he can be free from the body he currently possesses.
The characters are likable and I really found my heartstrings being pulled for Stephen.
Highly recommended!
So well written with a fantastic mix of horror, supernatural and occult themes. This story kept me engaged from start to finish. The story spans the course of 34 years, as a demon has a blood debt to fulfill before he can be free from the body he currently possesses.
The characters are likable and I really found my heartstrings being pulled for Stephen.
Highly recommended!
January 15, 2023
I saw this book advertised on Facebook and liked the sound of it so gave it a go and I must say, I’ve really enjoyed it!
I can’t wait for the next in the series to be released. In the meantime I’m going to read the previous book by this author called The Foundling.
I can’t wait for the next in the series to be released. In the meantime I’m going to read the previous book by this author called The Foundling.
July 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book! I found the language and vernacular to be really interesting, and I had to google a lot of things to really understand what they were going on about, but that's just because it's set somewhere else, and I was unfamiliar with their way of speaking. This was a great read, and I feel like because of that I learned something new so that's always a plus as well! The story itself grabs you and keeps hold of you like a demon possessing you almost. I didn't want to sleep because I wanted to know what happened and wanted to keep reading. It's almost 1 am and I've finally wrapped it up. I felt almost like it was a soap opera with demons. There was a lot of family drama and scandal and I almost wished more of that would have been showcased and secrets would have erupted in a more dramatic way, but it would have probably been like 1000 pages had that happened.
July 3, 2023
I enjoyed this one. The conversations going on throughout the book were my favorite part. They were witty and funny. Who knew demons were funny?
June 22, 2024
First of all I need to say what an extraordinary experience this is. It’s not just another audiobook, it’s full of sound effects and music that really enhances a really messed up story.
As far as the story goes, it is a banger. So much happening and it works. The interactions between the possessed and the possessor are just brilliant. This is a linear story but is separated by 34 years. The Laughing Policeman will make you cringe in the best way
As far as the story goes, it is a banger. So much happening and it works. The interactions between the possessed and the possessor are just brilliant. This is a linear story but is separated by 34 years. The Laughing Policeman will make you cringe in the best way
July 21, 2023
I know it’s July and I read this back at the end of March, beginning of April, I meant to come back and write a review and I’ve just read the fractured few which reminded me I hadn’t.
This book was amazing, I loved it. It starts of one way and you think you know what’s happening and where it’s going and then it goes somewhere completely different . This is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year so far
This book was amazing, I loved it. It starts of one way and you think you know what’s happening and where it’s going and then it goes somewhere completely different . This is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year so far
November 7, 2023
Beautifully layered and touching story. I actually thought I was done with the story about 3/4 of the way thru but it turns out it was only another beginning. Demonic possession and twist and turns keeps your heart racing to the very end.
September 12, 2024
GIVE ME MORE
The Prologue opens this story up with an almost film-like introduction. Setting the scene instantly for a hell of a ride, as we meet Constable Stephen Anderson. Elizabeth is determined to make sure that the reader forms a bond with him. So that we understand the sheer importance of the decisions that he makes and how this plunges his world into darkness. Opening him up to horrifying trauma, the loss of the people in his life that he holds dear.
I loved the set up with the court case building tension between Stephen and the Boswell family. Basically a bunch of thugs that don't want to play by society's rules run by a woman who thinks her babies can do no wrong. Seeing this as a slap in the face and also undermines her power as family matriarch.
But little does Stephen realise that even the letter of the law would not be enough to protect him this time. As it soon becomes clear that something sinister is creeping through the pages of this story. Especially when it comes to the antique dagger that everyone seems desperate to get their hands on. The supernatural and mysterious undertones had been expertly weaved through the story by Elizabeth. As we get an understanding of Stephen as a person along with all the other players on this complex chess board. With some very in depth writing that adds a lot of context and layers to the character’s back stories. Each character was hard not to either hate or fall in love with, as Elizabeth did a great job at building up their development and adding crucial details to blend with how the story progressed.
Just when you think Stephen cannot catch a break after a successful attack on the caravan park. He ends up being caught by one of the men who was responsible for his wife and child's murder. Entering into the story again the mysterious dagger and just when you think it's lights out for poor Stephen. The supernatural intervenes in the form of a demon, who inhabits the blade.
Now Stephen is caught between his need for revenge and the demon's thirst for blood. The internal struggle is beautifully depicted by Elizabeth, making you feel nothing but sadness and pity for Stephen. Locked in mental anguish as an unwilling at times receptacle for the Demon’s hate. But the entity knows how to play Stephen to get what it wants and it feels like he has come to terms with his new gruesome fate.
Turning Stephen into a truly terrifying being, I almost felt sorry for Mickey. But hey that's one way to mess someone's perception of law and order. Which is kinda comical considering he never believed what his mammy and family preached. Now he gets a good look at the faith in store for him due to his ignorance and arrogance.
A uniformed dead officer going round and stealing eyes from their victims. It gets brutal, dark and extreme very quickly from there on. As this thing almost has an Alucard meets Alistair feel it's personality, a complete contradiction to the body he inhabits. However there is almost a venom style relationship in instances where the interactions are pretty good dark humour.
Either way the first part of a book Stephen cuts up a path of chaos and mayhem in his pursuit.
So now we go from the 1980s to 34 years later. We met Ciara and her daughter Addy, peaking the reader's attention. Escaping from the US back to the UK after being in an abusive relationship with a traveller. You can see where this going when Ciara gives a bit of context that makes the reader go, OH SHIT.
Flashing back to how Stephen has been dealing with his situation. Living with the demon inside him all this time, as they frustratedly check everywhere for the last of the Boswells. Part two answers quite a few questions the reader might have and introduces us to the O.O.T.I.S, where we explore the realm of magic.
I love this kind of thing, because it's a great way to see world building in action. Elizabeth lays the groundwork enough to still leave a bit of mystery. So not only was my interest peaked but I was also getting some important details for later without realising it.
This story will have your full attention. As we follow the footsteps of Stephen and Ciara. Reintroducing characters from the first part of the book, I won't lie but I have a huge fondness for Charlie. I cannot believe this poor man endures so much loss and pain, yet is still standing. Now the poor sod is relieving the same nightmare he experiencing the 80s while discovering some very uncomfortable truths.
If you go barreling down this path, do not expect a happy ending. If you are prepared to take this journey into the world of the Brimstone Chorus. You will not be disappointed as Elizabeth promised. More is yet to come.
The Prologue opens this story up with an almost film-like introduction. Setting the scene instantly for a hell of a ride, as we meet Constable Stephen Anderson. Elizabeth is determined to make sure that the reader forms a bond with him. So that we understand the sheer importance of the decisions that he makes and how this plunges his world into darkness. Opening him up to horrifying trauma, the loss of the people in his life that he holds dear.
I loved the set up with the court case building tension between Stephen and the Boswell family. Basically a bunch of thugs that don't want to play by society's rules run by a woman who thinks her babies can do no wrong. Seeing this as a slap in the face and also undermines her power as family matriarch.
But little does Stephen realise that even the letter of the law would not be enough to protect him this time. As it soon becomes clear that something sinister is creeping through the pages of this story. Especially when it comes to the antique dagger that everyone seems desperate to get their hands on. The supernatural and mysterious undertones had been expertly weaved through the story by Elizabeth. As we get an understanding of Stephen as a person along with all the other players on this complex chess board. With some very in depth writing that adds a lot of context and layers to the character’s back stories. Each character was hard not to either hate or fall in love with, as Elizabeth did a great job at building up their development and adding crucial details to blend with how the story progressed.
Just when you think Stephen cannot catch a break after a successful attack on the caravan park. He ends up being caught by one of the men who was responsible for his wife and child's murder. Entering into the story again the mysterious dagger and just when you think it's lights out for poor Stephen. The supernatural intervenes in the form of a demon, who inhabits the blade.
Now Stephen is caught between his need for revenge and the demon's thirst for blood. The internal struggle is beautifully depicted by Elizabeth, making you feel nothing but sadness and pity for Stephen. Locked in mental anguish as an unwilling at times receptacle for the Demon’s hate. But the entity knows how to play Stephen to get what it wants and it feels like he has come to terms with his new gruesome fate.
Turning Stephen into a truly terrifying being, I almost felt sorry for Mickey. But hey that's one way to mess someone's perception of law and order. Which is kinda comical considering he never believed what his mammy and family preached. Now he gets a good look at the faith in store for him due to his ignorance and arrogance.
A uniformed dead officer going round and stealing eyes from their victims. It gets brutal, dark and extreme very quickly from there on. As this thing almost has an Alucard meets Alistair feel it's personality, a complete contradiction to the body he inhabits. However there is almost a venom style relationship in instances where the interactions are pretty good dark humour.
Either way the first part of a book Stephen cuts up a path of chaos and mayhem in his pursuit.
So now we go from the 1980s to 34 years later. We met Ciara and her daughter Addy, peaking the reader's attention. Escaping from the US back to the UK after being in an abusive relationship with a traveller. You can see where this going when Ciara gives a bit of context that makes the reader go, OH SHIT.
Flashing back to how Stephen has been dealing with his situation. Living with the demon inside him all this time, as they frustratedly check everywhere for the last of the Boswells. Part two answers quite a few questions the reader might have and introduces us to the O.O.T.I.S, where we explore the realm of magic.
I love this kind of thing, because it's a great way to see world building in action. Elizabeth lays the groundwork enough to still leave a bit of mystery. So not only was my interest peaked but I was also getting some important details for later without realising it.
This story will have your full attention. As we follow the footsteps of Stephen and Ciara. Reintroducing characters from the first part of the book, I won't lie but I have a huge fondness for Charlie. I cannot believe this poor man endures so much loss and pain, yet is still standing. Now the poor sod is relieving the same nightmare he experiencing the 80s while discovering some very uncomfortable truths.
If you go barreling down this path, do not expect a happy ending. If you are prepared to take this journey into the world of the Brimstone Chorus. You will not be disappointed as Elizabeth promised. More is yet to come.
August 11, 2023
This was excellent. I completely devoured the rest of it today. This is a proper horror book, no holding back, all the gruesome descriptions. Everything you'd expect and more from a horror book. This book really distressed me in the first 50 pages. Made me nearly cry. Made me really hate some characters and desperately want them to get what they deserved.
This book paints all the emotions so vividly, it was like watching a movie. The time jump worked really well and I really liked Charlie. Addy was really cute but I will be honest I disliked Ciara. I'm not sure if this was the author's intention or not, but I couldn't connect to her mindset that the police had something against her family when they were literally criminals and murderers. What they did to Stephen and his family......there is no forgiveness 😭 Although how much of this she knew / was told, I don't know!
I always think an author is very talented if they make you actually strongly dislike characters, whether you're meant to dislike them or not!
The supernatural elements were particularly interesting and through all the horror, there was some good dark humor with the demon. I liked the debate I had with myself over whether I was rooting for Stephen or not, I deffo was with certain people but then he started doing / trying to do what was done to him and I questioned my thoughts.
If you want the ideal horror book that will terrorise you when you close your eyes, just like the demon, then this is your book. It'll make you question your own thoughts, feel all the emotions and just simply enjoy a good spooky book. I highly recommend!
This book paints all the emotions so vividly, it was like watching a movie. The time jump worked really well and I really liked Charlie. Addy was really cute but I will be honest I disliked Ciara. I'm not sure if this was the author's intention or not, but I couldn't connect to her mindset that the police had something against her family when they were literally criminals and murderers. What they did to Stephen and his family......there is no forgiveness 😭 Although how much of this she knew / was told, I don't know!
I always think an author is very talented if they make you actually strongly dislike characters, whether you're meant to dislike them or not!
The supernatural elements were particularly interesting and through all the horror, there was some good dark humor with the demon. I liked the debate I had with myself over whether I was rooting for Stephen or not, I deffo was with certain people but then he started doing / trying to do what was done to him and I questioned my thoughts.
If you want the ideal horror book that will terrorise you when you close your eyes, just like the demon, then this is your book. It'll make you question your own thoughts, feel all the emotions and just simply enjoy a good spooky book. I highly recommend!
February 15, 2024
Gypsy curses, blood debt, murder mystery, and demonic possession - a delightful combination that the author molded into a dark unsettling story.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The laughing policeman, not only loved the story, but the narration was superb with a Shakespearean voice and brilliant sound effects throughout.
Really looking forward to the second book now, Elizabeth J Brown is a greatly talented author and this book gave all the thrills and goosebumps you want from an excellent horror book!
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The laughing policeman, not only loved the story, but the narration was superb with a Shakespearean voice and brilliant sound effects throughout.
Really looking forward to the second book now, Elizabeth J Brown is a greatly talented author and this book gave all the thrills and goosebumps you want from an excellent horror book!
February 26, 2023
Amazing addictive read would highly recommend this book can’t wait to see what Elizabeth as in store next 🙂
May 22, 2023
Pretty good debut novel. Wish you all the smashing success.
June 23, 2023
Wow! Wow! Wow! I can not believe this is Elizabeth's first book! I was reading it and thinking what a great writer she is...goes right up there with Stephen King and Dean Koontz. This tale had it all....great setting, great characters, original theme and no stop flow to the tale. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this story and add Elizabeth to my now growing favorite author list. She has a wonderful knack of taking you onto a horror ride of your life!!
February 27, 2023
Well, Feck me that was a fantastic, gripping read!!
From the prologue we get a brutal, fear inducing introduction to the terrors that lay ahead!
It's 1984, Detective Constable Stephen Anderson is attending the hearing of the Boswell brothers, part of a local Gypsy family. Their mother and younger brothers, Mickey and Connor, are also in the courtroom. When the brothers are sentenced to prison for retrieving something that was rightfully theirs, after the occasion took a nasty turn, they are keen to seek revenge on the person that put them there. But teaching the policeman a lesson, ends up being far, far worse than they could have ever imagined when they planned it!
When Stephen finally arrives home that night, it's to his absolute worst nightmare!! He's a broken man, there's nothing left for him now, and when the police can't help him, he takes matters into his own hands, with a little help from an unexpected and unwanted source. He sets out to take the whole family out, one by one, but they seem to have some sort of protection, making it harder than anticipated. You are punched in the gut with his situation, and end up absolutely 100% behind his decision to do what he does!
Stephen's best friend is Charlie, a fellow police officer, who suffered horrific abuse as a child and still carries the physical and mental scars to this day. Having an impact on the way he deals with situations and people. But he is there for Stephen wholeheartedly and he steps up when his friend needs him the most!
Mickey is struggling to come to terms with what he did, the awful consequences of his actions. He's drinking too much and acting up and this leads to him being seperated from the rest of his family and having a close encounter with a certain jewelled dagger!
Part Two continues 34 years later, with Ciara returning to her roots with her daughter Addison, after fleeing her abusive husband to the safety of the UK….but just how safe is it really? And what does she remember from her childhood? And what's that awaiting her at her new apartment?
When your life is ruined by murderous thugs, and then they ruin your death too, what is left for you? When you have to suffer a daily battle inside your head, under control to a degree, in the daytime, but let loose at night? When there is a blood debt to settle, whatever it takes, which is easy when it's ruthless murderers you're after, but what happens when innocents get involved? When it becomes something else entirely? One is seeking the fulfillment of this blood debt and the other is seeking revenge, together they will be a force to reckon with!
The world works in mysterious ways, bringing people together for reasons known only to it, for good and for bad….
This was a fantastic supernatural tale full of demons, human sacrifice, rituals, and revenge! Beautifully written and completely gripping from the start and throughout. Intense, mesmerising, heart wrenching and exciting! I loved the banter and the humour, especially the demon, I actually quite liked him and his cheeky, dark, sarcastic personality! Set at a dynamic pace, and leaving you breathless with anticipation at the build up to an awesome, captivating and bloody conclusion! The ending was clever and left me desperate for more!
From the prologue we get a brutal, fear inducing introduction to the terrors that lay ahead!
It's 1984, Detective Constable Stephen Anderson is attending the hearing of the Boswell brothers, part of a local Gypsy family. Their mother and younger brothers, Mickey and Connor, are also in the courtroom. When the brothers are sentenced to prison for retrieving something that was rightfully theirs, after the occasion took a nasty turn, they are keen to seek revenge on the person that put them there. But teaching the policeman a lesson, ends up being far, far worse than they could have ever imagined when they planned it!
When Stephen finally arrives home that night, it's to his absolute worst nightmare!! He's a broken man, there's nothing left for him now, and when the police can't help him, he takes matters into his own hands, with a little help from an unexpected and unwanted source. He sets out to take the whole family out, one by one, but they seem to have some sort of protection, making it harder than anticipated. You are punched in the gut with his situation, and end up absolutely 100% behind his decision to do what he does!
Stephen's best friend is Charlie, a fellow police officer, who suffered horrific abuse as a child and still carries the physical and mental scars to this day. Having an impact on the way he deals with situations and people. But he is there for Stephen wholeheartedly and he steps up when his friend needs him the most!
Mickey is struggling to come to terms with what he did, the awful consequences of his actions. He's drinking too much and acting up and this leads to him being seperated from the rest of his family and having a close encounter with a certain jewelled dagger!
Part Two continues 34 years later, with Ciara returning to her roots with her daughter Addison, after fleeing her abusive husband to the safety of the UK….but just how safe is it really? And what does she remember from her childhood? And what's that awaiting her at her new apartment?
When your life is ruined by murderous thugs, and then they ruin your death too, what is left for you? When you have to suffer a daily battle inside your head, under control to a degree, in the daytime, but let loose at night? When there is a blood debt to settle, whatever it takes, which is easy when it's ruthless murderers you're after, but what happens when innocents get involved? When it becomes something else entirely? One is seeking the fulfillment of this blood debt and the other is seeking revenge, together they will be a force to reckon with!
The world works in mysterious ways, bringing people together for reasons known only to it, for good and for bad….
This was a fantastic supernatural tale full of demons, human sacrifice, rituals, and revenge! Beautifully written and completely gripping from the start and throughout. Intense, mesmerising, heart wrenching and exciting! I loved the banter and the humour, especially the demon, I actually quite liked him and his cheeky, dark, sarcastic personality! Set at a dynamic pace, and leaving you breathless with anticipation at the build up to an awesome, captivating and bloody conclusion! The ending was clever and left me desperate for more!
June 25, 2023
Steve is celebrating with his police colleagues after the successful prosecution of two of the Boswell brothers, a few drinks and he is off home to his wife and daughter. But the Boswell clan want to teach him a lesson and it’s one he’ll never forget. When Steve wakes intent on revenge, he sets in motion an ancient curse that threatens every blood relative of the family of criminals.
This starts as a brutal fictional portrayal of the threat from violent families who feel they are above the law, it is unflinching and heartbreaking. It then becomes a supernatural horror and once Steve lets the darkness take control he is vicious and relentless in his pursuit of the Boswells. The evil driving force has a very dark humour though and Steve’s conversations with it, once his moral code kicks back in, are hilarious.
Charlie, an ex-detective friend of Steve, is hunting the Cannibal Killer and looking for the connection between the deaths and an ancient dagger. In an effort to save the last Boswell, Ciara and her daughter Addy, he needs to face his demons and put the past to rest.
A fast paced, gory journey of revenge and retribution, excellent!
This starts as a brutal fictional portrayal of the threat from violent families who feel they are above the law, it is unflinching and heartbreaking. It then becomes a supernatural horror and once Steve lets the darkness take control he is vicious and relentless in his pursuit of the Boswells. The evil driving force has a very dark humour though and Steve’s conversations with it, once his moral code kicks back in, are hilarious.
Charlie, an ex-detective friend of Steve, is hunting the Cannibal Killer and looking for the connection between the deaths and an ancient dagger. In an effort to save the last Boswell, Ciara and her daughter Addy, he needs to face his demons and put the past to rest.
A fast paced, gory journey of revenge and retribution, excellent!
September 9, 2022
The Laughing Policeman by Elizabeth J. Brown
I picked this book up mostly because of the cover. It reminds me of the game We Happy Few. Then I read the synopsis and I knew I needed to read this. Boy, am I glad I got a hold of this book! This story is fast and furious!
Detective Constable Stephen Anderson is one hell of a detective. He is committed to his job, his family, and his friends. He is an all around well loved guy. One evening, after a significant case is closed, Stephen is enjoying a night out with his work buddies to celebrate. At the end of the festivities, he heads home, to a horrible sight. Stephen’s world comes crashing down around him.
Time passes.Then one night, Stephen wakes up, disoriented. He has no idea where he is or what has happened. Thus begins a story of horror, possession, magic, and gruesome scenes.
Elizabeth J. Brown is a superb writer. The world building, character development and overall engrossing story, leave me begging for more. I need to read what happens next. While I wait for that book, I am going to read her other book, The Foundling.
I picked this book up mostly because of the cover. It reminds me of the game We Happy Few. Then I read the synopsis and I knew I needed to read this. Boy, am I glad I got a hold of this book! This story is fast and furious!
Detective Constable Stephen Anderson is one hell of a detective. He is committed to his job, his family, and his friends. He is an all around well loved guy. One evening, after a significant case is closed, Stephen is enjoying a night out with his work buddies to celebrate. At the end of the festivities, he heads home, to a horrible sight. Stephen’s world comes crashing down around him.
Time passes.Then one night, Stephen wakes up, disoriented. He has no idea where he is or what has happened. Thus begins a story of horror, possession, magic, and gruesome scenes.
Elizabeth J. Brown is a superb writer. The world building, character development and overall engrossing story, leave me begging for more. I need to read what happens next. While I wait for that book, I am going to read her other book, The Foundling.
July 9, 2022
This book popped up on my Facebook Feed and I was instantly drawn to the cover and the title. So I clicked the link, and halfway through reading the blurb, I was reaching for my Kindle, turning it on and going straight to the store so I could purchase The Laughing Policeman.
And I am so glad I did.
It's been a while since I have read a book that has taken me on a wild, emotional roller coaster ride. I got 20% through and had to put the book down and cool off as it shocked me. Then I got mad. I was fully into it by this point that it took me completely by surprise. Finally, I picked the book back up and continued on. It got so much better. I loved the world, loved some characters, hated others, loved the dark, spine chilling horror vibe and aesthetic.
An awesome read. It certainly got me out of my reading slump.
And I am so glad I did.
It's been a while since I have read a book that has taken me on a wild, emotional roller coaster ride. I got 20% through and had to put the book down and cool off as it shocked me. Then I got mad. I was fully into it by this point that it took me completely by surprise. Finally, I picked the book back up and continued on. It got so much better. I loved the world, loved some characters, hated others, loved the dark, spine chilling horror vibe and aesthetic.
An awesome read. It certainly got me out of my reading slump.
February 16, 2022
Preordered this book immediately after I read Elizabeth J Browns novella, The Foundling, and it did not disappoint!
A great novel, intense and exciting, dark but with well placed elements of humour. The characters are wonderfully developed, unique, complex, flawed and vulnerable, their stories skilfully interwoven throughout adding to the depth of the story.
Cleverly written with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. A wonderful read, vey much looking forward to the next instalment. I would recommend this book to anyone.
A great novel, intense and exciting, dark but with well placed elements of humour. The characters are wonderfully developed, unique, complex, flawed and vulnerable, their stories skilfully interwoven throughout adding to the depth of the story.
Cleverly written with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. A wonderful read, vey much looking forward to the next instalment. I would recommend this book to anyone.
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